Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge

The feel

Creamer's Field was a dairy farm before it became a refuge. The Creamer family cleared pastures and grew the farm to nearly 450 acres, and those open fields became resting and feeding ground for migrating waterfowl and cranes. The historic dairy buildings are the only surviving pioneer dairy structures in Interior Alaska.

Today the refuge spans nearly 3,000 acres of forest, wetland and open field, with more than 25 miles of trails and viewing platforms for ducks, geese and cranes. More than 150 different birds have been seen here, and about 60 species turn up in summer. In early April, eight to nine acres are cleared of snow and several tons of barley for the arriving flocks.

What to expect

What it is

A state refuge of forests, wetlands and fields around a historic dairy, with trails and viewing platforms.

Time

Guided nature walks last about 1 hour.

Crowds and best time

Cranes and waterfowl pass through in spring and fall migration. In late August the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival runs for a week.

Kids

Thursday guided walks are kid-friendly.

Hazards

Trails can be uneven or muddy. Hunting and trapping are allowed on the refuge by registration only.

Season and access

The refuge is always open to the public. Free guided walks run from early June to late August at 10:00 AM Tuesday through Friday. In snowy months it is used for cross-country skiing, dog mushing and skijoring.

Mingo says

Go in late August for the crane festival, when thousands of migrating cranes fill the fields. Come in early April if you want the first flocks.

Before you go

• Meet guided walks outside the Farmhouse Visitor Center at 1300 College Rd.
• Call (907) 459-7307 for visitor center hours.
• Wear footwear for uneven or muddy trails, and bring a rain jacket, sun protection and bug spray.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.